http://smu.gs/14UrXtQ
I just setup a smugmug account to sell my prints.
I uploaded my photos to my site and I noticed that all the sizes that my client is choosing to buy, all had to be cropped. The crops are not the best for my prints.
What sizes should I use to upload that require the least amount of cropping?
Any other advice on how to upload better, I would greatly appreciate.

What size are they choosing? And, because I forget, what camera (DX or FX) are you using?
Lets say, FX, for example, that would be a 8x12 ratio. So, 4x6/16x24 or any that will fit that ratio will not need to be cropped. 5x7 is an odd size (long, skinny where the crop will hit the sides more). Just like 11x14 will need a crop. 8x10 is also a rectangle in the 4x5 ratio, that will crop the most. One way is to shoot for 8x10 (by leaving space) and the other two will work themselves out.
Lightroom has an option to show you how it will get cropped with the different sizes.

Edited by Dennis, 09 July 2013 - 10:14 AM.

Thanks, Dennis.

Photography: 100 percent art, 100 percent technical. It takes a photographer to blend them into an image.

(2) It lowers your sale. I do all my sales face to face. Since I've done that my sales average as increased 300%.

Al images are viewed live with me first, during the sales session. I only post to online galleries AFTER the sales session.

Just something to think about.

Rick, I think whether or not to use direct sales as oppose to and online sales vehicle depends on who you target might be. A sports photog catering to local team sports may not need to approach parents if they are selling images from say a championship or any sports event for that matter. Also remember that online sites deliver contact information for the business using online sale methods, so if there is a need to do a more personal approach I would think that most photographers would be willing to provide support. Online sales is just another tool used as a extension of what we do, and I don't think we could ever have too many tools.

(2) It lowers your sale. I do all my sales face to face. Since I've done that my sales average as increased 300%.

Al images are viewed live with me first, during the sales session. I only post to online galleries AFTER the sales session.

Just something to think about.

In another post, you mentioned that you use WHCC, which is one of the three or four labs that sumgmug uses. I understand your business profile, and that is fine. But, I don't see there would be a difference having sumgmug print using WHCC or using them independently.

The issue in this thread is, providing the correct size to be printed. Even if Robin sent them to WHCC, she would have to size the prints correctly. The frame from a full frame is going to be around 8x12. So, robin will need to shoot accordingly, or do some re-sizing stuff to make sure that what she wants within an 8x10, will be the same as a 5x7, even those those are two different ratio's and will not look exactly the same. Part of the game when prints are required.

If Robin is using LR, then she can work on the frame as is, check color and all that kind of stuff. then make a virtual copy and crop that for 8x10. LR will show her what gets cut off, and she can then adjust. She can have a virtual copy for each of the different print ration's; 8x10, 5x7, wallet and so on. that would be what she would; upload to SM or send to WHCC.

Edited by Dennis, 28 March 2014 - 11:45 AM.

Thanks, Dennis.

Photography: 100 percent art, 100 percent technical. It takes a photographer to blend them into an image.